FROM THE APRIL 10 EDITION OF
THE BRIDGEPORT NEWS

HARRY GREEN INVITATIONAL
MIDDLE SCHOOL PREVIEW

by Jeff Toquinto
News Editor

Although a lot of the attention on the Harry Green
Invitational will be focused in on Saturday’s prep
portion, tomorrow’s middle school competition should
also prove to be just as interesting.
Teams from across the region, and from across the
state, will be taking part in the event. Along with
the host school, Bridgeport Middle, teams including
Elkins, McKinley (Charleston), Park (Beckley), Robert
L. Bland, Buckhannon, Taylor County, South Harrison,
East Fairmont, Lumberport, Gore and Salem will take part.
“The competition is going to be very strong,” said BMS
coach Rob Riley, who handles the boys, while Julie
Hartley coaches the girls.
Riley said that along with the local programs that are
strong, the additions of McKinley and Park should
boost the competition level.
“They both have excellent track programs,” said Riley.
“They have an advantage just in sheer numbers alone.”
BMS, however, isn’t too shabby on either side of the slate.
For the boys, the majority of those figuring in the
scoring for this meet, as well as the others this
year, will likely be 8th-graders. Riley said the boys
should be strong in middle distance, distance and pole vault.
In middle distance Josh Brown, Jon Fischer and Eric
Green should be pivotal. Green and Heath Haws should
also help out in the distance events.
Haws and Green will also be pivotal in the pole vault.
It’s in that event that school record holder Nathan
Schwenk also returns.
Riley’s biggest concern for the boys is that there is
little depth in the sprint events. Brown is the only
solid offering at this point, said Riley. He is also
concerned about the high jump.
On the girls side, Riley said sprints are a strength.
He pointed to Victoria Gorby, Shelby Bordner and
Katilyn Bishop as keys there. Riley also said Jenna
Fogg will b a strong point in the distance events.
As for the weaknesses, Riley said they're similar to
the boys. Pole vault looks troublesome, as does the
high jump. The situation is complicated by the fact
Riley says few are trying the events this year.
To find success Friday, and throughout the year, Riley
said injuries have to be at a minimum.
"We have to keep the main scorers healthy," said
Riley. " ... The coaches have to make sure we have the
kids participating in the proper events to maximize points."
Riley isn't sure where that strategy will lead, but he
hopes it works out well this season, and in tomorrow's
meet. Regardless of what transpires, Riley is hoping
there will be a lot of people on hand to watch the meet.
"Don't let the age of the kids fool you. Some of these
middle school kids could hold their own if they
competed in the high school meet on Saturday," said Riley.
The meet begins at 4 p..m.